In 1620, the Pilgrims sailed to America In 1620, the Pilgrims sailed to America. They did not want riches, all they wanted was religious freedom. In England they were being persecuted for their beliefs.

In September they received permission to set up a colony in Virginia In September they received permission to set up a colony in Virginia. They boarded up a ship named the Mayflower and two months later landed on the shore of Cape Cod in November of 1620.

They realized that Virginia laws did not apply to them so they decided to set up their own set of written laws. 41 adult males signed what we call the Mayflower Compact.

The Mayflower Compact – a framework for governing a colony Agreed to: -Unite into a “Civil Body Politic” -Make laws that promote the general good of the colony -Elected governors and council

Early Hardships First winter was harsh. Arrived too late to plant crops or build proper shelter. 2-3 Pilgrims died each day during the first two months A native by the name of Squanto came to the aid of the Pilgrims. He taught them how to grow native crops and next fall the settlers had a good harvest.

The Pilgrims saw this harvest as a blessing from God The Pilgrims saw this harvest as a blessing from God. They invited their native friends to share in the plentiful harvest. This is what we celebrate as Thanksgiving.